After more than two decades of extraordinary leadership, Paul Nielsen(opens in new window) will transition out of his role as director and chief executive officer of the Software Engineering Institute(opens in new window) (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University. In support of a smooth transition, Nielsen will remain in his role until a national search concludes and the university secures the institute’s next leader.
Paul Nielsen
“It has been an honor to serve the SEI and to work alongside the individuals and leaders committed to securing our nation through advances in software, cybersecurity and AI,” said Nielsen. “SEI’s strength has always been its ability to evolve as technology and national needs change, and I am confident the institute will continue to lead with impact and purpose in the years ahead.”
The SEI is one of just two Department of War federally funded research and development centers affiliated with a university and the only institute of its kind exclusively devoted to developing software solutions and innovations. The institute’s work spans software engineering, systems engineering, cybersecurity, AI engineering and workforce development — areas that are increasingly central to national security and defense.
Over the past year, the SEI has marked major institutional milestones that underscore its enduring role in strengthening the security, resilience and reliability of the nation’s software- and AI-intensive systems. The institute celebrated 40 years of innovation(opens in new window) in shaping how software is engineered, secured and deployed for public benefit. It also saw its contract renewed by the Department of War(opens in new window), which paved the way for CMU to operate the SEI for another five years. Together, these developments signal an enduring confidence — across administrations — in the institute’s mission.
Farnam Jahanian
“We are profoundly grateful for Paul’s many years of leadership and service at SEI. He steered the institute through periods of remarkable technological change with integrity and an unwavering sense of mission,” said CMU President Farnam Jahanian(opens in new window). “Under Paul’s direction, SEI has made transformative contributions to strengthening the security and prosperity of the United States. This work has elevated both Carnegie Mellon University and the trajectory of American progress for generations to come.”
Nielsen has led the SEI through significant technology transitions, enabling a period of immense growth, expanded mission responsibility, and increased engagement with federal agencies, industry partners and the broader research community.
During Nielsen’s tenure, he helped SEI bring modern software practices to the DOW while enabling critical cyber research — including the reverse engineering of malware — to bolster national security. He also worked to extend SEI’s impact and scope globally, ultimately supporting the establishment of national cyber centers in 92 countries.
In 2021, the SEI established its AI Division to move from experimental, custom-crafted AI models into reliable, secure and scalable AI software systems for national defense and critical infrastructure. Applied AI has been designated as a central pillar of the DOW, where it will speed up innovation and strengthen America’s military edge.
Under Nielsen’s leadership, the institute’s annual funding more than tripled — a product of expanding partnerships with the Department of War, other federal agencies and industry — resulting in nearly $3 billion of investment for research, technical assistance and transition work over this time.
Theresa Mayer
“Paul’s exceptional leadership has positioned the SEI as a vital contributor to our nation’s security, advancing research that ensures the software and AI systems underpinning critical missions are secure, reliable and mission-ready,” said Theresa Mayer(opens in new window), Carnegie Mellon’s vice president for research. “This legacy of excellence provides a strong foundation for the SEI’s continued leadership and impact in the years ahead.”
Prior to joining CMU, Nielsen spent 32 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a major general and commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). At AFRL, Nielsen managed a team of about 10,000 military and civilians and an annual budget of approximately $3.5 billion. His career in research and development also included positions at various federal research organizations, such as the NSA, the National Reconnaissance Office and the Lawrence Livermore National Lab.
Nielsen has earned numerous fellowships and memberships into leading organizations, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, International Council on Systems Engineering, and the Royal Aeronautical Society. He is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
The university is planning a celebration to honor Nielsen’s contributions to the institute and the nation. In the coming weeks, CMU will assemble a search committee and kick off a national search to secure SEI’s next director and CEO.
